[LocalLeaguePresidents] Act Immediately- Lobby for Comprehensive Ethics Reform

[Sally Robinson]

To All Local League Presidents and Action Chairs:

With the conviction of Senator Bruno, former majority leader of the State
Senate, attention has been focused on the lack of effective ethics laws and
enforcement in Albany. Despite continued pressure from the League and other
good government groups, 2009 is apparently ending with a failure to reform
these laws.  There is momentum to pass new ethics laws early in next year’s
session.

Don’t let the new year start without pushing for an immediate push for a
comprehensive new ethics law!  *Call immediately and set up an appointment
to see your state representatives for as early as possible in
January.*    Information
on how to set up an appointment and how to lobby is attached.

By the end of December, you will have received in the mail:

·      Copies of the 2010 Legislative Agenda brochure-estimate how many you
will need and let the League office know by *December 16.*   As in prior
years, you will only pay the shipping cost.  Quantities may be limited if we
do not get your order by then.

·      Five “*FIX ALBANY NOW*!” buttons-you can order more for $1 each.

·      Part I of the Legislative Packet focusing on immediate ethics and
campaign finance enforcement reform.  Part II will be sent out following the
League’s forum on Redistricting Reform on February 9th, and will focus on
that issue and remaining items on the 2010 Legislative Agenda.



In the meantime, below is a description of what we are asking for in any
comprehensive ethics bill:

·      An appointment process that fosters independent oversight.

·      Safeguards barring lobbyists, former officials and other interested
parties from serving on ethics oversight bodies.

·      Reasonable, reliable, informative, and transparent financial
disclosures of all business relationships.

·      Significant investigatory and enforcement powers, including   strong
independent campaign finance enforcement, and reasonable audit procedures.



New Yorkers deserve a new ethics law that includes independent oversight,
effective administration, strong campaign finance enforcement, and
transparent auditing.

*Sally Robinson, 2nd Vice-President, Issues & Advocacy*

*Telephone: 212-879-4575*

*E-mail: robintwins at gmail.com ** *
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